Emily’s love for the Southwest traces back to 2002, when she volunteered on a Grand Canyon river trip to study native fish and vowed to make a career out of protecting this unique landscape. After getting a master’s degree in environmental studies from the University of Montana, Emily returned to the Colorado Plateau and joined the Grand Canyon Trust in 2011. After more than seven years working in the Volunteer Program, she transitioned into the development team as the member trips manager. Following a two-year hiatus to grow her own business, Emily followed her heart back to the Trust in July 2024. Emily is passionate about creating opportunities for donors and members to experience the Colorado Plateau and deepen their relationships with the Trust and the lands they care about.
Emily Thompson
Member Trips Manager
“Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”
— Mary Oliver
My happy places
- Rowing my boat down desert rivers
- Hiking in canyon country
- Spending time with my two nieces
- Cooking and eating with loved ones
Favorite rivers
- Westwater Canyon (Colorado River)
- Dolores River
- Muddy River
- Desolation Canyon (Green River)
Little-known facts
- I grew up on a cattle ranch in Texas and raised steers for 4H
- I have a Yorkie named Walter
- I’m exceptional at ping pong
- I worked at the Moab airport
